The Harry Dowson Pairs Cup is under way in Wellington Ex-Services Skittles League.
Here is the latest from league secretary Marc Bright …
Cottage Inn
The opening set of fixtures at the Cottage had a slightly disjointed feel, with three of the five ties decided by walkovers. Les Marke and Jordan Bryant, along with Liam Desborough and Andy Chappell, and Andy Pearce and John Lane, all progressed after their opponents conceded as they were unable to meet the scheduled dates.
In the matches which were played, Paul Robinson and Lee Ellis edged a good contest against fellow Cottage Pies Jordan Perry and Shaun Vile, winning 102–99 in a well-fought game where every pin counted.
Meanwhile, Glen Escott and Jacob Sparks of Reservists produced the standout performance at the Cottage, posting an excellent 107 to defeat David Howell and Steve Dowson (100) of rivals Holywell Lake.
Conservative Club (downstairs)
There was far more action on show at the Conservative Club, with four of the five ties played.
Shane Powell and Ryan Marke of King Pins impressed with a solid 101 to overcome Scuppas duo Roger Howe and John Pike (85).
Alex Govier and Edd Chivers of Hot Shots also progressed with a 96–89 win over Angus Cleland and Alan Sydenham of Shooter.
The performance of the round at the venue came from Scuppas pair John Barker and newly-crowned singles champion Craig Newstead, who recorded a superb 107 in defeating the Ex-Servicemen duo of Lee Baker and Marc Bright (93).
Their total matched the best score across both venues and underlined their credentials as serious contenders to lift the cup.
Dave Houston and Albert Hughes of King Pins edged through a lower-scoring encounter, beating Nynehead Club’s Mike O’Neil and Jim Compton 80–76.
The final tie was set for an All Stars showdown, but Dan Rodger and Owen Milton had to concede a walkover to Callum Richardson and Alfie Hill.
Round two draw (matches being played this Friday)
Dave Houston/Albert Hughes (King Pins) v John Barker/Craig Newstead (Scuppas) at the Victoria Arms (upstairs) 8pm
James May/Sam Vile (Cottage Pies) v Lewis May/Dan Thorne (Cottage Pies) at the Victoria Arms (upstairs) 8.30pm
Adrian Maidment/Anthony Maidment (Shooters) v Cliff Trott/Dave Pow (WRFC) at the Victoria Arms (upstairs) 9pm
Les Marke/Jordan Bryant (King Pins) v Callum Richardson/Alfie Hill (All Stars) at the Victoria Arms (upstairs) 9.30pm
Alex Govier/Edd Chivers (Hot Shots) v Glen Escott/Jacob Sparks (Reservists) at the Victoria Arms (downstairs) 8pm
Andy Pearce/John Lane (WRFC) v Darren Sparks/Kevin Sedgebeer (Reservists) at the Victoria Arms (downstairs) 8.30pm
Paul Robinson/Lee Ellis (Cottage Pies) v Shane Powell/Ryan Marke (King Pins) at the Victoria Arms (downstairs) 9PM
Liam Desborough/Andy Chappell (All Stars) v Dave Harper/Paul Higgs (WRFC) at the Victoria Arms (downstairs) 9.30pm
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